It's August and it's hot. Summer is in full swing, but the trees are starting to show their age. We are still enjoying the hot summer days, but fall is around the corner and I'm sure your kids have noticed the signs too.
The leaves are not as bright as they used to be, and a few acorns might have started to fall. At least by me in the North East, we always notice the change of season fairly early. Acorns, and pine needles drop continually towards the end of summer.
On a hot summer day in August, I always liked to find inside activities for my boys to do away from the hot sun and heat. Making our own bird feeders was always a favorite. (Make sure your child is NOT Allergic to Peanut or Almond Butter - before you do this activity).
Usually a day or two before I would take my boys outside and have them hunt for the biggest, pine cone they could find. Many times you will find they are full of sap. This is why I like to pick them out a day or two before. This at least gave them a little time to dry out inside.
(Warning! This is a MESSY Activity!)
Before you attempt this activity with your children. You might want to make sure you have on hand some Goo Be Gone, for lingering sap, or Mayonnaise works well too.
Ingredients:
Bowl
Pine Cones (As many as you plan on making)
Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
Spoon, or icing knife to spread peanut butter or almond butter
Bird Seed
String
Scissors
Directions:
Pour the bird seed into a bowl
Using the spoon or icing knife spread the peanut butter or almond butter into each peddle of the pine cone. Young children might need help with this. For older children you can put the peanut butter or almond butter in a bowl for them to do themselves.
Once the pine cone is covered place is the bowl with the bird seed. I usually used a spoon the sprinkle the bird seed onto the pine cone making sure all of the peddles are covered.
Take out your string and cut to your desired length.
I usually let the pine cone bird feeder dry over night before I place it outside for the birds to feast on.
After the pine cone dries, attach the string to the top of the pine cone as pictured. Once the pine cone is dry find a tree outside and tie it to a high branch.
Now that your table and children are full of peanut butter and bird seed, I recommend cleaning them up by going straight into the tub. While they are playing a quiet game or resting, you can clean up the mess.
(Note: Make sure the children DO NOT try to eat the bird seed! Trust me, they will try.)
What was your favorite part of making the pine cone bird feeder? What was your least favorite? What do you think would make it better? Do you know where you might like to hang your feeder? Do you think we should do this activity again next summer?
These are some of the questions you can ask your child after the activity is over. A good time for this discussion is during bath time, dinner time, or bedtime. Enjoy the moments! Cherish the memories!
Until Next time- Cynthia
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